If you are interested in the Physics B.S. you should be ready to start with the first-semester calculus course (22M:25 Calculus I). You’ll want to do well in this course since the major builds on the material covered in this class. This major will require mastery of math beyond a year of calculus.

Here’s what you need to do to be ready for a first-semester calculus course:

Master the work in first year algebra (22M:1)
Master the work in second year algebra (22M:8)
Master the work in trigonometry (trig mastery is especially important for this major) (22M:5)
Master additional pre-calculus work (22M:9)

The course number that is listed links to a description of an equivalent course at the UI with a sample final exam. Check out the exam to see the types of skills you are expected to have.

You may take the equivalent of a first semester or first year college calculus course through the Advanced Placement Program. If you take an AP calculus course, you need to earn at least a 4 on the AP Calculus AB exam or a 3 on the AP Calculus BC exam to go on to a second-semester calculus course.

Or you might take a calculus course at a community college or university while you are still in high school. If you do this, you need to do well on the University of Iowa math placement test to go on to the second-semester calculus course.

If you are interested in more information about this major, click here.